SUNY Cortland Launches 2011-12 SEFA Appeal

SUNY Cortland Launches 2011-12 SEFA Appeal

SUNY Cortland will kick off its 2011-12 State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA) campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 11, with a noon luncheon for volunteers in Corey Union, Room 305-06.

The campaign, which relies on state employee volunteers to canvas co-workers for donations, will continue until Wednesday, Oct. 26.

The only authorized fundraising campaign among state workers, SEFA is directed by United Way of Cortland County and unites fundraising efforts for a group of agencies under a common umbrella.

“Last year the campus raised $47,039 from 317 donors,” said Laurie Barton, assistant to the president, who is chairing this year’s SEFA campaign on campus.

“Despite the continued economic downturn, we hope to meet or exceed last year’s donations,” Barton added. “The 2010-11 appeal assisted 31,515 residents, or 65 percent of Cortland County, through more than 27 health and human services programs provided by the 13 local United Way agencies. The need for your campaign dollars remains strong in these difficult economic times. Your donation to local agencies clearly makes a difference.”

The College will offer incentives for employees who donate to the 2011-12 campaign. At the campaign’s end, a drawing for five prizes will be conducted. First prize is a reserved campus parking space located in the lot closest to the winner’s building. To be eligible, an employee must pledge at least $104. Everyone who donates a minimum of $25 will be eligible to win one of three $25 Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) gift certificates. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members who donate $25 will be eligible for a $50 gift certificate to Hairy Tony’s Restaurant.

SEFA campaigns also are conducted at a number of other state agencies, including the Department of Labor, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Transportation, the Office of Court Administration and the State Police. Decisions are made locally on which agencies are included and how funds are distributed. The community-based SEFA committee is composed of representatives from state agencies and managers of human service agencies. Pledging takes place once a year.